Donald J. Wiederhoeft had graduated from Logan High School in Lacrosse and then attended LaCrosse State Teachers' College for a year and a half. While attending school Mr. Wiederhoeft was enrolled in the civilian pilot training program. Donald had also lived in Wisconsin Rapids from 1925-1936.
When Donald had entered the naval corps, he was trained at Vermillion, South Dakota, the University of Iowa and Glenview, Illinois. On August 11, 1948 in Corpus Christi, Texas, Mr. Wiederhoeft was commissioned second lieutenant in the Marine Air Corps.
After spending a while in Hollywood, Florida, Donald was transferred to Cherry Point, North Carolina. At Cherry Point, he was assigned to a flight crew.
Donald S. Wiederhoeft had two brothers in the service. S-Sgt Waldemar Wiederhoeft of Hamilton Field, California, and Pvt. George Wiederhoeft of Camp Fanoin, Texas. He also had a sister, Mrs. Lloyd (Edith) Thompson, who was staying with her parents. Mr. Wiederhoeft's parents were also of the surviving family members.
At Cherry Point, North Carolina, a Navy land plane holding Mr. Wiederhoeft and six marines went missing during a flight mission. Mr. Wiederhoeft's body was found along with the crew members near Cherry Point. His burial took place in Wausau.
Written by:
Amanda Foth
East Junior High
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